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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a uncommon Category 5 cyclone as it turns toward the Caribbean island, causing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

The hurricane, which registered winds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is now shifting toward the northwest in the Caribbean and is anticipated to hit the coast by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Warnings of electricity outages and damage to infrastructure have been released as this storm produces up to 30 inches of rainfall and storm surges as high as 4m above ground. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th hurricane in the current Atlantic storm period, which normally finishes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Hurricane Danger

A category five cyclone is the most intense classification, with wind speeds of at least 252 km/h.

Although the hurricane is projected to weaken to a category four hurricane before arriving at the island, meteorologists said there was "very little practical difference in the general consequences" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "equally strong" when it hits the country.

Urgent Preparations

With tropical storm-level gusts and precipitation already expected well before it moves across central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts emphasize that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of harmful winds and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and numerous rock slides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official commented: "I know that there are countless citizens who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to address nervousness and any nervousness and concern is to be prepared."

Locals are being told to protect their properties with sandbags and wooden boards, and to stock up on essentials.

Wider Effects

Warnings are also ongoing for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the Dominican Republic and eastern Cuba, where this storm is expected to bring comparable impacts by the midweek period.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have already killed two in the country, according to local authorities.

Future Course

The hurricane is forecast to move across Cuba by midweek before traveling via the Antillas Mayores and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at Cuba, it is forecast to have weakened to a Category 3 storm.

Climate Background

Even though it is challenging to associate particular meteorological occurrences to climate change, scientists say it is making meteorological events more prevalent and more intense.

Increased sea temperatures generate greater water vapor in the environment, contributing to the creation of hurricanes.

Before the beginning of this year's Atlantic storm period, weather organizations predicted above-normal activity, referencing heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where tropical systems typically originate.